Kiwi Trainor gets Rising Stars call up

Talented young reinsman Jack Trainor admits he was a little surprised by his inclusion in this year's HRNSW Rising Stars series. The nineteen year old New Zealander has only been in Australia for seven months but his recent good form in the sulky has led to his selection for the state wide series that will see ten young drivers compete over a week starting on June 24.

"I didn't think I was a chance at getting into the series this year because I haven't been here all that long and I was actually thinking that if I continued to drive a few winners then maybe I might be an outside chance at getting into it in twelve months time," Trainor said.

"I love it here in Australia, I'm really enjoying my time with the Shane Tritton stable and I'm starting to get a few more opportunities, I definitely won't be going anytime soon."

Trainor is originally from Dunedin but made the move to Christchurch as a sixteen year old.

"Dad trains a couple for himself but I got talking with Dexter Dunn and he got me some work experience with Cran Dalgety during the school holidays and when I finished school I went and worked for Paul and Graham Court for six months."

"I then went and worked for Cran for three years and that was an unbelievable experience, I got to drive Christen Me at the trials and when the opportunity came up in Australia I spoke with him and he said I should take it."

At the time Shane Tritton was on the lookout for a junior driver with regular stable driver Lauren Panella losing her claim.

"I heard that Shane was looking for a junior driver, he had a big team in work and there were some nice horses in the team plus there would be a good opportunity for a claiming driver so I decided to make the move."

Trainor has already driven 32 winners in his career and is hoping to add to that tally in the Rising Stars series.

"I've already had a couple of doubles here and I drove a treble two weeks ago so I hope the roll keeps going."